Avoid heat-related illness

As summer temperatures increase, the risk of heat-related illness
increases as well. The three forms of heat-related illness include:
heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat cramps usually occur as a result of heavy sweating, typically
several hours after a person has been out of the heat. The cramps
can be very painful and usually affect the arms, legs or abdomen.
To help prevent heat cramps, drink a fluid that has electrolytes
during and after long periods of heavy sweating.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses the ability to cool
itself. This usually occurs when a person has been sweating heavily
and not replacing fluids and electrolytes. Symptoms of heat exhaustion
include headache, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, loss of coordination,
impaired judgment, anxiety, clammy skin and a weak, rapid pulse.
Someone exhibiting these symptoms needs to be cooled down and drink
fluids. Have them checked by a physician.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and is life
threatening. It occurs when the body has lost too much water and
salt. With that loss is the body’s inability to cool itself so body
heat rises to dangerous levels. Symptoms of heat stroke include:
a high body temperature with no sweating, any of the above symptoms
of heat exhaustion, nausea and vomiting, seizures, difficulty breathing
and high blood pressure. If you suspect someone is having a heat
stroke, call 911 and try to cool the person as quickly as possible.

The American Red Cross makes the following recommendations for
preventing heat-related illness:

Avoid strenuous activity. If you must, do it in the morning
before it gets too hot.

Stay indoors when possible. Seek a cool place if your home
is not air conditioned.

Take regular breaks. If you must be exposed to the heat,
be sure to take breaks and allow your body to cool.

Anyone can experience a heat-related illness but those at
greatest risk are infants and young children, senior citizens,
people who are obese and people who are already physically ill. For more information about heat-related
illness, go to www.redcross.org/heatsafety.